English and Creative Writing, BA (Hons)

This English and Creative Writing programme immerses students in the literature and culture that have shaped the modern world, while developing their writing skills in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, and more. Participants learn effective research techniques and the professional writing process, fostering critical thinking and creativity to thrive in today's environment. The degree offers flexibility through a variety of optional modules in literary studies and creative writing, or interdisciplinary options in other subjects, taught by internationally recognised, research-active staff and award-winning writers. Assessment is entirely coursework-based, with no exams, and students can engage in a rich cultural life via university partnerships.In the first year, students explore historical, theoretical, and creative approaches to literature, including genres like prose and drama, alongside essential research skills. The second year focuses on diverse writing forms such as script-writing and autobiography, with workshops and studies in Romantic and Victorian literature. An optional placement year builds employability, while the final year involves advanced modules in experimental writing and a personalised dissertation, all subject to potential changes. The course does not award Qualified Teacher Status.

In your first year, you'll study historical, theoretical, aesthetic and creative approaches to literary analysis. You’ll read literature which investigates the making of the modern world; engage with exciting theories of reading such as eco-criticism, psychoanalysis and Marxism; and write creatively in a wide range of genres including prose, poetry, drama and professional writing. You will also learn key research and essay-writing skills. In your second year, you’ll write creatively in many forms including theatre and script-writing, autobiography and biography, travel writing, and literary adaptation. You will hone your skills as a writer in weekly workshops with tutors and peers. You’ll also study the writers who've shaped our literary canon, taking core modules in Romantic and Victorian literature, and selecting from a range of specialist creative, literary and work-based learning options. You’ll also have the opportunity to take specialist modules in other subjects in the School. Undertake an optional placement year where you can build a number of key employability skills. Put theory onto practice, get a taste for your chosen career and expand upon your professional network. In your final year, you’ll hone your reading and writing. You’ll study modern experimental writing and choose from literary and creative modules focusing on specific forms, from science fiction to modern poetry and screenwriting. Or, you’ll have a further opportunity to choose a module from another subject in the school if you wish to branch out. You’ll also design and develop your own year-long dissertation project, which you'll work on with focused support from your personal supervisor. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.